Archaeology, Skyraiders, Tomcats, and more

The first bunch of 2024 speakers for the EAA Aviation Adventure Series has been published, including a range of off-beat aeronautical missions and historical happenings. The Series will offer presentations throughout the winter, spring, and summer at 1900 hrs (central time). Each presentation will be held at the EAA Aviation Museum in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

From 2010 (YouTube Version): As Amazing As The ABQ Balloon Fiesta Is... The Pilots Are Even More So!

In a few recent Aero-TV programs, we've had the great good fortune to relate some of the amazing sights, sounds and sensations we encountered at the 2010 ABQ Balloon Fiesta... and the word 'amazing' barely does this event justice. Really... it's THAT great an event. But... one particular element stands out as the key ingredient in what makes ABQ a world-renowned event... the people... especially the balloon pilots that flock to this annual gathering of all things that float, fly and levitate amongst the backdrop of New Mexico's stunning Sandia Peak.

Unable To Restore Power To The Engine, He Elected To Execute A Forced Landing

On November 17, 2023, about 1708 eastern standard time, an experimental amateur-built Lancair IV-P, N37MB, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Perry, Florida. The pilot sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. According to the pilot, he was in cruise flight at 11,500 ft mean sea level (msl) with about 40 minutes of daylight remaining when he noted that a ceiling had developed below him.

From 2015 (YouTube Version): A Unique Gyroplane Offers Side-By-Side Seating

ANN’s roving News Editor, Tom Patton, stopped to talk about gyro planes while he was attending the U.S. Sport Aviation Expo at Sebring, Florida. He had the chance to talk to Chris Lord, the president and CEO of Pictaio aerospace. The gyroplane they had on display is unique because it’s a 2-place machine that seats the pilot and passenger side-by-side rather than the more typical tandem seating of other gyro planes. Tom starts his questioning by asking about this configuration. Among other things, Lord points out that it offers more room for the pilot and passenger and more baggage space behind the seats.

Wittman Regional Remains Home for AirVenture for Years to Come

The Experimental Aviation Association has confirmed dates for their yearly AirVenture fly-in all the way through 2027, confirming each week to take place at Wittmann Regional Airport in late July. The change is great news for those who like to plan a long way into the future, with each convention held in the region since 1970. The EAA knows that it's just about the biggest thing in sport aviation throughout the Western Hemisphere (and even beyond), so it's something of a courtesy to provide a heads-up to the rest of the industry.

From 2023 (YouTube Version): Germany’s Best by Way of Florida

Established in 1980 by German aerobatic pilot Walter Extra as a means by which to design and develop his own airplanes, EXTRA Aircraft—EXTRA Flugzeugbau in its founder’s native tongue—has evolved into one of the world’s premier makers of aerobatic aircraft. EXTRA’s aircraft line-up comprises the EXTRA 330 SC, a single seat, low-wing, aerobatic monoplane possessed of the sort of aerobatic performance that won world championships in 2009, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, and 2022; the EXTRA 330 LX, a two-seat, tandem arrangement, low-wing, aerobatic monoplane eminently suited to both aerobatic competition and dual instruction; the EXTRA 330, a slick, two-seat, glass-panel machine that EXTRA rightfully touts as the Aerobatic Tourer; the EXTRA 330 LP, a two-seat, tandem arrangement, low-wing aerobatic monoplane that’s slightl

From 2023 (YouTube Version): Barking up the Right Tree

Australian-born, the Aeropup is a remarkably robust, fully-customizable, go-anywhere, two-seat, STOL/LSA aircraft. The machine’s rugged, CNC-precision-manufactured chromium-alloy tubular-steel frame surrounds the occupant compartment, protecting those within after the fashion of a high-performance road-vehicle’s roll-cage. The Aeropup’s rugged airframe may be paired with either a conventional (tailwheel) or tricycle (nosewheel) undercarriage, and is borne aloft by an innovative and efficient wing comprising three spars—the principal of which features a lattice-structure at once stronger and lighter than conventional hollow spars. What’s more, to facilitate ease of transport and storage, the Aeropup’s wings are user-foldable.